Other natural treatments for
arthritisHypnosis
Author/s: Jeffrey Peter Larson
Hypnosis is a state described as sleeplike. It is usually induced by another individual
for the purpose of tapping into the unconscious mind. As a result of the hypnosis, the
subject may experience forgotten or suppressed memories. Hypnosis has also been described
as a way to use a person's inherent healing capabilities that usually remain inaccessible
to him and outside of his control.
Purpose of Hypnosis
Hypnosis can be helpful in relaxation and pain reduction by decreasing muscle tension.
Hypnosis can also reduce pain by helping the subject visualize and create an alternate
reality perceived as being safe and comfortable. Many doctors now use hypnosis to overcome
the pain of headaches, backaches, childbirth, cancer, severe burns, and pain and fear
resulting from dental procedures. In some cases, surgeons use hypnosis in the operating
room, not only to reduce the amount of anesthesia needed by the patient, but also to
lessen anxiety and postoperative bleeding and swelling. In other instances, hypnosis has
been found useful in reducing the severity of asthma.
Psychologists use hypnosis in treating patients to overcome negative habits, anxiety,
fear and depression. Also, it is commonly used to help patients recall past events, which
is useful in psychotherapy. Family physicians have recently begun to use hypnosis to treat
psychosomatic illness (physical illnesses or complaints that are largely caused by
psychological factors). Professionals in the field of psychotherapy have also found
positive results in helping patients control appetite and reduce the levels of drugs
necessary in the treatment chronic illness.
Precautions off Hypnosis
Because hypnosis can sometimes completely remove or distract people from feeling pain,
it is important that a doctor or other appropriate medical specialist assess the
underlying medical or psychological condition prior to hypnosis. Another important
precaution when dealing with hypnosis is that, despite potential medical benefits of
hypnosis, misinterpretation is possible because of the questionable reliability of the
memories recalled during hypnosis. Because there is no medical degree required for the
practice of hypnotherapy, persons wishing to undergo hypnosis should be sure that the
therapist is well trained. It may be helpful to find a therapist who is a licensed
professional in a field where hypnotherapy is part of normal practice, such as social
workers and psychologists. It is important to check credentials and background when
choosing a hypnotherapist.
Hypnosis is not to be considered a form of psychotherapy, nor a treatment capable of
solving problems immediately or on its own. Problems and habits take time to get implanted
in one's life, and it takes considerable amount of time--and often therapy--to remove
them.
Description of Hypnosis
A hypnotic state results from gradually entering a state of consciousness unlike that
of awareness or sleep. During this time, the attention of subjects is withdrawn from their
surroundings. Most individuals can easily be hypnotized, but the depth and extent of the
hypnotic state varies.
Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis. In hypnotherapy, hypnosis is used by
psychotherapists to modify a patient's behavior. According to the American Association of
Professional Hypnotherapists, there is a 75-90% chance of effectively changing behavior
with hypnotherapy. Once the patient has seen a hypnotherapist, self-hypnosis can be
learned, and is sometimes recommended as part of the treatment plan. Self-hypnosis
involves a patient using relaxation techniques and specific signals to clear his mind of
extraneous thoughts and sensations.
Preparation for Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy requires only that the patient desire to change a certain type of
behavior. The hypnotherapist usually prepares for the sessions by asking the subject to
stare at an object, suggesting, in a soothing voice, that the eyelids are becoming heavy,
that the subject relax, and that he is becoming hypnotized. Then, the hypnotherapist
conveys to the subject that it will be effortless to follow the hypnotherapist's
suggestions
Aftercare
Coming out of the hypnotic state is as simple as entering it. Waking from the hypnotic
state slowly is preferable for optimal results. After hypnosis, subjects report changes in
bodily sensations and describe an awareness of having gone into an altered state of mind.
Risks
Because hypnosis can sometimes completely remove or distract people from feeling pain,
it is important that a doctor, or other appropriate medical specialist, assess the
underlying medical or psychological condition. This assessment is important because, when
using hypnosis to reduce pain or other physical symptoms, the pain may be alerting the
patient to a problem that needs some other form of medical or psychological treatment. As
an example, a brain tumor might be causing chronic headaches, and require immediate
treatment.
Normal results
Family doctors have begun using hypnosis to treat psychosomatic illness, control
appetite, and reduce the need for medication. Because of the utility of using hypnosis to
reduce the sensation of pain, it can make it possible for physicians to lower dosages of
pain medication in cases of chronic illness. Because hypnosis is actually an intense state
of concentration, physicians have now accepted the fact that patients can regulate their
own heart rate, circulation, temperature, muscle tension, and other body functions, if
necessary.
Abnormal results
Hypnotherapy requires that the patient desire to change a certain type of behavior.
Success is greater the more committed the subject is to change. If the patient is
reluctant, hypnotherapy may be unsuccessful. |
